Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for configuring a bearer for transmission of user data in user plane based cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving a tracking area update (TAU) request message from a user equipment (UE); transmitting to a mobility management entity (MME) a UE context resume request message comprising the TAU request message; receiving from the MME a UE context resume failure message comprising a cause value, wherein the cause value comprises information informing the base station to keep the suspended UE context and to transmit information informing the UE of an extended wait time; keeping a suspended UE context based on the cause value; and transmitting information to the UE informing the UE of an extended wait time based on the cause value.
This invention relates to cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) systems, specifically optimizing bearer configuration for user data transmission in user plane-based CIoT networks. The problem addressed is inefficient handling of user equipment (UE) context during tracking area updates (TAU), which can lead to unnecessary signaling overhead and delays in CIoT communications. The method involves a base station managing UE context during a TAU procedure. When the base station receives a TAU request from a UE, it forwards the request to a mobility management entity (MME) in a UE context resume request message. If the MME responds with a UE context resume failure message containing a specific cause value, the base station interprets this as an instruction to retain the suspended UE context rather than releasing it. The base station then transmits a message to the UE, informing it of an extended wait time before attempting another TAU. This approach reduces signaling overhead by avoiding repeated context setup and teardown processes, improving efficiency in CIoT networks where devices often operate in low-power or intermittent connectivity states. The solution ensures seamless data transmission while minimizing resource consumption.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UE context resume failure message further comprises a TAU reject message.
A method for handling user equipment (UE) context resume failures in a wireless communication system involves transmitting a UE context resume failure message from a network node to another network node. The failure message includes a tracking area update (TAU) reject message, which indicates that the UE's attempt to resume a context or update its tracking area has been rejected. This mechanism helps manage mobility and session continuity in scenarios where the UE transitions between different network states or areas, ensuring proper signaling and resource management. The inclusion of the TAU reject message provides explicit feedback to the network, allowing it to take corrective actions such as reattempting the resume procedure, releasing resources, or triggering additional signaling to resolve the failure. This approach improves network efficiency and reliability by ensuring that failed context resume attempts are properly handled and logged, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and improving overall system performance. The method is particularly useful in 5G and LTE networks where seamless mobility and low-latency communication are critical.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a downlink NAS transport message including a TAU reject message from the MME.
A method for handling network registration in a wireless communication system addresses the problem of efficiently managing mobility management procedures, particularly when a tracking area update (TAU) request is rejected by a mobility management entity (MME). The method involves a user equipment (UE) device initiating a TAU procedure to update its location or tracking area identity (TAI) with the MME. If the MME determines that the TAU request is invalid or unauthorized, it sends a TAU reject message to the UE. The UE receives this rejection via a downlink non-access stratum (NAS) transport message, which includes the TAU reject message. The method ensures proper handling of the rejection, allowing the UE to take appropriate action, such as retrying the TAU procedure or notifying the user of the failure. This improves network efficiency by preventing unnecessary signaling and ensuring proper synchronization between the UE and the network. The method may also include additional steps, such as the UE initially sending the TAU request to the MME and the MME processing the request before determining whether to reject it. The solution enhances mobility management in wireless networks by providing a structured way to handle TAU rejections, reducing signaling overhead and improving overall system reliability.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein based on a determination by the MME that resumption of the suspended UE context is impossible, the UE context resume failure message is received from the MME.
In the domain of mobile communication networks, particularly in the context of user equipment (UE) context management, a technical challenge arises when a mobility management entity (MME) determines that resuming a suspended UE context is impossible. This situation may occur due to network congestion, resource limitations, or other operational constraints. The invention addresses this issue by implementing a mechanism where the MME generates and transmits a UE context resume failure message to the appropriate network entity, such as a serving gateway (S-GW) or a base station, upon making such a determination. This message serves to notify the network that the resumption process has failed, allowing the network to take corrective actions, such as releasing resources or triggering a new context establishment procedure. The method ensures efficient resource management and minimizes service disruptions by promptly communicating the failure state. The invention builds upon a broader system where UE context suspension and resumption are managed dynamically, with the MME playing a central role in overseeing these processes. The failure notification mechanism enhances reliability and responsiveness in handling UE context transitions within the network.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UE is in an RRC_IDLE state.
A method for optimizing network resource allocation in wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently managing user equipment (UE) states to reduce signaling overhead and improve energy efficiency. The invention focuses on UEs operating in an RRC_IDLE state, where the device is registered with the network but not actively engaged in data transmission. In this state, the UE periodically wakes up to monitor control channels for paging messages or system updates, consuming significant power and network resources. The method involves dynamically adjusting the UE's wake-up intervals based on network conditions, UE mobility patterns, and application requirements. By extending or shortening the idle period duration, the system reduces unnecessary signaling while ensuring timely delivery of critical messages. The UE may also enter a deeper sleep mode during extended idle periods to conserve battery life. Additionally, the network may prioritize paging messages for UEs with higher mobility or urgent data needs, further optimizing resource usage. The invention also includes mechanisms for the UE to request state transitions based on its activity level, allowing for adaptive power management. For example, a UE with frequent data exchanges may transition to an RRC_CONNECTED state, while a stationary UE with minimal activity remains in RRC_IDLE to conserve resources. The method ensures seamless handover between states without disrupting ongoing services, maintaining network efficiency and user experience.
6. A base station for configuring a bearer for transmission of user data in user plane based cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: a memory; a transceiver; and a processor, connected with the memory and the transceiver, that: controls the transceiver to receive a tracking area update (TAU) request message from a user equipment (UE), controls the transceiver to transmit a UE context resume request message comprising the TAU request message to a mobility management entity (MME), controls the transceiver to receive a UE context resume failure message comprising a cause value from the MME, wherein the cause value comprises information informing the base station to keep the suspended UE context and to transmit information informing the UE of an extended wait time, keeps a suspended UE context based on the cause value, and transmits information to the UE informing the UE of an extended wait time based on the cause value.
This invention relates to a base station for managing bearer configuration in cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) systems, specifically addressing the handling of user data transmission in the user plane. The problem solved involves efficiently managing UE context during tracking area updates (TAU) to reduce signaling overhead and improve resource utilization. The base station includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. The processor controls the transceiver to receive a TAU request from a UE and forward it to a mobility management entity (MME) via a UE context resume request message. If the MME responds with a UE context resume failure message containing a specific cause value, the base station retains the suspended UE context instead of releasing it. The cause value indicates that the UE should be informed of an extended wait time, allowing the base station to maintain the context while delaying further signaling. This approach minimizes unnecessary context re-establishment and reduces signaling load in CIoT networks, particularly for low-power, low-data-rate devices. The solution optimizes resource usage by avoiding premature context release while ensuring the UE remains aware of the extended wait period.
7. The base station of claim 6 , wherein based on a determination by the MME that resumption of the suspended UE context is impossible, the UE context resume failure message is received from the MME.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE or 5G networks, managing user equipment (UE) contexts is critical for maintaining seamless connectivity. When a UE transitions between idle and connected states, the Mobility Management Entity (MME) may suspend the UE context to conserve resources. However, if the MME later determines that resuming the suspended context is impossible—due to network errors, resource unavailability, or other failures—the system must handle this scenario to prevent service disruptions. The invention addresses this by enabling a base station to receive a UE context resume failure message from the MME when resumption is deemed impossible. This message triggers appropriate actions, such as releasing the UE context or initiating a new connection setup. The base station may also notify the UE of the failure, allowing it to retry or switch to an alternative network. This mechanism ensures efficient resource management and minimizes service interruptions by providing clear failure handling procedures. The solution involves the MME assessing resumption feasibility and transmitting a failure message if resumption is not possible. The base station processes this message to take corrective steps, such as releasing the context or reattempting the connection. This approach improves network reliability by ensuring proper error handling during UE context management.
Unknown
June 16, 2020
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